Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Jan Krtitel Jiri Neruda :: Haydn, Hummel: Trumpet Concertos

Musically Interesting

John A. Moskal II | Carmel, IN USA | 12/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For 95% of you buyers, you've not only heard the Haydn, the Hummel, and the Neruda before, but you've probably got multiple recordings of each (I think I have at least 8 of each on my computer, not including ones that I haven't loaded yet), so you're probably wondering why should you buy this one.



First of all, let me say, if you're not in that category and you have no recordings of these pieces and are looking for one, go ahead, get this CD and you'll love it. The Haydn and Hummel are THE TWO trumpet concertos most backed by time for as universally guaranteed likability as could be sought. The other two are quite popular concertos as well, and her performances of them are as fine as any.



For those of you who want to save their money and don't feel like buying yet another recording of the same pieces; this recording is worth your money. While everyone's made their own statements of these pieces, few of them have surprised me as much as this one. Her interpretations are quite distinct from any that I have heard of these pieces and have allowed me to hear many parts of them in a different way. The usual articulations time-tested and handed down from one teacher to everyone have, quite as often as not, been shelved for new ones; and not to the detriment of the product.



She weaves her way through the melodies effortlessly and beautifully and is a delight to listen to. What has impressed me most about her playing (and was even more exemplified when I heard her play live) is her quiet playing. Her pianissimo entrances entrance. Her strength, in my opinion, and it is a great one, is in her great chamber music playing. She can blend her sound into that of a violin better than just about any I've ever heard, and this CD exemplifies that.



With respect to the entire repertoire of modern fully orchestral trumpet concertos, Miss Balsom has chosen to exemplify her talents with these four chamber pieces, traditionally chosen though they may be, they represent her talents fully. Her fantastic ability to phrase through the orchestra with the advantage of a beautiful soft sound to a fresh and delightfully coherent scheme of articulations make this CD a delight for any collector, be they new to the genre or as well traveled as a pair of old boots."

WOW!

Al Timitter | North Hills, CA United States | 01/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alsion Balsom is an extraordinary trumpet virtuoso. And this is an extraordinary recording of the warhorse trumpet concertos. There are many recordings of these works, especially the Hayden and the Hummel, but the interpretations here are new and tasteful. Even if you own every other recording of these works ever published, add this one. It is definitive. Every student of this maddening instrument should hear how it can be done."

Top Notch Performances of Prime Trumpet Repertoire

John Palmer | Cincinnati, Ohio USA | 03/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is the ideal way to hear these trumpet classics. Alison Balsom's playing is not only flawless, it is wonderfully communicative and leaves nothing to be desired. The accompaniment from The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen is as alert and nuanced as you would expect from the world's greatest chamber orchestra."